Guide to Burford

Located on the edge of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the medieval town of Burford sits on the side of a hill looking down on the River Windrush. This marks the northern entrance to the town, together with one of its many historic structures, a Cotswold stone bridge.

The name Burford derives from the Old English words burh (meaning fortified town or hill town) and ford (the crossing of a river). Burford was a small village settlement during Saxon times, situated around the site of the priory.

A new establishment was created just after the Norman invasion, which is the foundation of the modern town today. Many buildings date back to that period; a prime example of medieval architecture is the 16th century priory incorporating parts of a 13th century hospital. It used to be owned by Lords, ran as a nunnery and now more recently is a private dwelling.

Other notable structures in the town include the medieval church, which was famously used as a prison during the Civil War, graffiti and carvings made by the inmates still being visible.

The town’s High Street is a combination of numerous 15th century buildings and modern commercial structures currently housing many shops, boutiques, banks, a small supermarket, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Burford is well known locally for its range of events, ranging from music and beer festivals to week-long celebrations. These include events such as creative writing, historical guided walks, the Mayor’s children’s party, concerts and much more.

The town has several schools with excellent reputations covering each stage of a child’s education – Burford Pre-School, Burford primary and secondary schools, and Burford School, all of which serve Burford and its nearby communities.

Burford is located on the A40, approximately 20 miles west of Oxford. Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham, Oxford and Swindon are about half an hour’s drive away. Coach and bus services operate between Oxford and Gloucester/Cheltenham and the local area. The nearest train stations are Oxford and Charlbury, which have services to London and Birmingham.

Looking for Burford estate agents? Choose Chancellors

Chancellors Estate Agents’ Carterton branch has a range of houses for sale in Burford, as well as flats to rent in and around Oxfordshire. To find out more about the local property market, head to our Carterton branch and speak to a member of our expert team.